2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jedadiah Lulu, LB, Southern Utah University

Student-Athlete Profile:

• Jedadiah Lulu
• Southern Utah University
• LB
• 6’0”
• 220 LBS
• Hometown: Honolulu, HI
• Twitter: @lulujedadiah

Give me the origin of your nickname, “Bubs.”

My grandmother gave me the nickname “Baba” when I was a young child and it stuck. People call me “Baba” or “Bubs” more than my legal name but I enjoy it. A lot of people say my name wrong so it’s nice to have a nickname everyone knows.

I feel your pain. I grew up with people always spelling my name wrong so it eventually just turned into people calling me “J” or “JJ.” What name would your teammates know you as?

Gotcha (laughs). My teammates know me as “Bubs” or “Big Bubs” depending on who you ask. A lot of the younger guys that came in my Senior year call me “Big Bubs.”

Tell me about your time at Chaffey College. How did that year prepare you for the transition to Southern Utah?

I’m glad you asked. Chaffey College was by far the most challenging and most fun point in my college career, survival wise. A lot of amen noodle boxes, Vienna cases, cases of tuna were the essentials. I had friends that I would welcome into my house to stay a few nights till they could figure their situation out. I’ve had to sleep on a friends’ floors and couches after night classes because of how late it would finish and walking home would take ridiculously long. A huge shoutout to my mom and grandparents for supporting me any way they could at this time, I wouldn’t have made it through without them. This was the most enjoyable time of my career because of the people I’ve met. Luckily there was a group of Polynesians at Chaffey that welcomed me with open arms and treated me like family the day I stepped foot on campus. I for sure consider all of them family to this day and I do keep in contact with a few of them although we walk different paths. I’m very grateful for my culture and community. Chaffey college prepared me for my transition to Southern Utah in a way that I was preparing to not only play football but also find a job to support myself and try to support my mom and little sisters. I think my experience at Chaffey made everything easier because I always thought, “the worst has already passed, it’s only up from here.”

You’ve mentioned the support you’ve gotten from your family and the support you provide for them. How much of motivation are they for you to continue to be successful?

For me, it’s about the way I was raised more than having motivation. My upbringing as a child was always God, family, and football in that exact order. Always thankful to God for the opportunity to be able, grateful for my family that loves and supports me unconditionally, and football which is something I love to do and something I’ve invested almost my entire life into. The blood, the sweat, sacrificing my time, energy, and body for two hours of almost every day of my life. Ever since I was a kid running around the neighborhood and playing with my cousins, I always knew what I wanted, to play football for as long as I possibly could. My Mom and Dad always supported me and I believe that’s why I’m here today. The best part of this journey is that I’ll be able to one day support my family while doing something I love. I believe this is what I was made to do.

What separates you from other players at your position?

A few things that separate me from other players is my versatility. I can play the pass and I’m extremely comfortable playing in the box and on the edge. One of my strengths is my pass rushing. My power, quickness, and hands are what help me the most as well as recognizing plays. I was able to showcase that in the National Bowl, which took place in Daytona Beach, FL. I was named Honorable Mention for racking up two sacks, one forced fumble, and four tackles. I also have a long wingspan which helps me create separation from blockers or reroute receivers. I also play sideline-to-sideline and my motor can play till the final whistle. I give max effort all the time.

Tell me a little bit about the experience at the National Bowl. What were your big takeaways from the event? Who else stood out on the field during those few days?

First and foremost, I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity that Mr. Quartney and the National Bowl provided me with. This bowl game actually allowed me to get into a bigger bowl game which was the FBS All-American Tropical Bowl game. Overall, it was an amazing experience. I’ve never been to Florida, which was pretty cool. Also just meeting some of the top players from different schools and competing against them. I loved the competition and the friendships formed afterward. The coaches were awesome as well. Coach Tolbert is a solid coach that definitely loves football and knows the game. The biggest thing I took away from the experience was that I needed to keep getting better. The higher up you go, the better the competition gets. The best thing I can do is prepare myself for that and get ahead. A lot of players stood out on the field. I’d saying competing against Matt McDonald (RB – Upper Iowa University) was the best work I got. He’s a running back that is fast, strong, low to the ground, and has great footwork. I’d also say competing against the entire O-Line was great as well. They were all great at what they did.

Speaking of the Tropical Bowl, what was one thing you learned about yourself during that event hat you didn’t already know?

One thing I learned about myself from traveling alone to those bowl games, specifically the Tropical Bowl, is that my body must always come first. I’ve spent so long playing with a reckless abandon attitude that I never gave my body the proper attention it needed to recover until recently. My body is my money-maker and if my body is not where it needs to be, I won’t be able to get where I need to get to. I’m grateful I had this time to myself because I think you learn more about everything, especially yourself when you’re alone.

Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?

The toughest player I’ve competed against during my collegiate career would be Kordell Brewster, my JUCO teammate from Chaffey who later went on to the University of Louisiana. And my teammate Braxton Jones from Southern Utah (OL). Competing against those two guys made competing against other teams way easier because they were better.

Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?

I try to emulate my game after Khalil Mack and Von Miller. Both are explosive and powerful edge rushers.

Give me your pitch to an NFL GM. Why will Jedadiah Lulu be an asset to their football team?

I’m all in all the time. I don’t care about fancy checks or big numbers. I only want what I’m worth. And if that means I’m worth all that, I’ll gladly accept. I just want to play the game that I love and provide while doing that. All I need is one shot and I’ll get it done.